Lower alkoxytetrahydropyranyl ethers of progestational steroids



United States Patent 3 514 446 LOWER ALKOXYTETRAHTDROPYRANYL ETHERS OF PROGESTATIONAL STEROIDS Alexander D. Cross, Mexico City, Mexico, and John A.

Edwards, Los Altos, Calif., assignors to Syntex Corpo- 5 Panama, Panama, a corporation of Panama 44 Claims ration, No Drawing. Filed May 22, 1968, Ser. No.

Int. Cl. C07c 173/00 US. Cl. 260-43955 ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE The 4'-(lower) alkoxytetrahydropyran-4'-y1 ethers of progestational steroids have high oral activities.

This invention relates to novel and useful 4v-(lower) alkoxytetrahydropyran-4'-yl ethers of progestational steroids, the steroid nucleus thus bearing a new group represented by the formula wherein -OR is a (lower) primary or secondary alkoxy group. In the preferred embodiment, this new' group is added at the C-3 position of pregnane progestational agents and at the C-3, C-17B, or C-3,17fi positions of the androstane progestational agents.

The preferred progestational steroidal ethers of this in n vention can be represented by the formulas;

also a 7, xi

(III) I (Ill) f wherein R 'is hydrogen or rnethyl; ii er alkyl lower cycloalkyl; R is methyl or. ethyl R is lower alkenyl, such as vinyl and propenyl, lower alkynyl (in- 3,514,446 Patented May 26, 1970.,

chloro, or bromo), such as ethynyl, fluoroethynyl, chloroethynyl, propynyl, trifluoropropynyl, and the like, and C CH R6 R an wherein R and R each is hydrogen, chloro, or fiuoro; R is keto or Baa wherein R is hydrogen, chloro, or hydroxyl; and when R is hydrogen, R and R is hydrogen; R is hydrogen, chloro, or iluoro; R is methylene,

wherein R and R each is hydrogen or methyl, or, taken together with R is ...O\ /Rm /0 4 ...O Rn wherein R and R each is hydrogen, alkyl, or aryl, the latter two groups having up to eight carbons; R is hydrogen, hydroxyl, or conventional hydrolyzable esters thereof; R is hydrogen or fluoro; X is 4-(lower)alk oxytetrahydropyran-4'-yloxy; X is keto,

I wherein R is X, hydrogen, hydroxy, or conventional hy- 5 drolyzable esters thereof; X is X, hydroxy, or conventional hydrolyzableesters thereof; and at least one v of X and X in Formulas II, III, and IV is;X; Z and Z each is a single bond or double bond; and Z is a single bond, double bond, or a single bond in combination with a methylene group havin'g'the formula a x o R51 R52 I wherein R and R each is hydrogen, chloro, or fiuoro.

The term progestational steroid is usedherein to denote those steroids having progestational activity; The preferred progestational steroids have 4--(lower)alkoxytetrahydropyran-4'-yl ether groups at positions C-3, C17 8, or

I C-3,17B of the steroid nucleus.

The compounds represented by Formulas *I-V, inclusive, are progestational agents useful in the treatment of menstrual disorders and'fertility control and can be used g, j in the same manner as l7u-acetoxy-6-chloropregna-4,6- diene-3,20-dione (chlorrnadinone acetate). The lo-rn'ethylene species are particularly useful in estrus synchronization in domestic animals. These componnds are administered by the usual routes, whether orally or'parenterally,

,, either alone or in conjunction with other medicinal agents, or in pharmaceutically acceptable, non-toxic compositions eluding lower haloalkynyl with a halogem such asfluoro,

formed by the incorporation Of any of the normally em! ployed excipients. H

The term (lower)alkyl and derivations .th 'reotyappearing in the above definitions and elsewhere tinthe i nstant specification denote alkyl groups containing from one to six carbon atoms, inclusive, such as methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl, t-butyl, pentyl, amyl, hexyl, and the like.

The term conventional hydrolyzable ester as used herein denotes those hydrolyzable ester groups conventionally employed in the steroid art, preferably those derived from hydrocarbon carboxylic acids or phosphoric acids and their salts. The term hydrocarbon carboxylic acid defines both substituted and unsubstituted hydrocarbon carboxylic acids. These acids can be completely saturated or possess varying degrees of unsaturation (including aromatic), can be of straight chain, branched chain, or cyclic structure, and preferably contain from one to 12 carbon atoms. In addition, they can be substituted by functional groups, for example, hydroxy, alkoxy containing up to six carbon atoms, acyloxy containing up to 12 carbon atoms, nitro, amino, halogeno, and the like, attached to the hydrocarbon backbone chain. Typical conventional hydrolyzable esters thus included within the scope of the term and the instant invention are acetate, propionate, butyrate, valerate, caproate, enanthate, cap rylate, pelargonate, acrylate, undecenoate, phenoxyacetate, benzoate, phenylacetate, diplienylacetate, diethylacetate, trimethylacetate, t-butylacetate, trimethylhexanoate, methylneopentylacetate, cyclohexylacetate, cyclopentylpropionate, adamantoate, glycolate, methoxyacetate, themisuccinate, hemiadipate, hemi-;8,B-dimethylglutarate, acetoxyacetate, 2-chloro 4 nitrobenzoate, aminoacetate, diethylaminoacetate, piperidinoacetate, B-chloropropionate, trichloroacetate, fi-chlorobutyrate, dihydrogen phosphate, dibenzyl phosphate, benzyl hydrogen phosphate, sodium benzyl phosphate, cyclohexylammonium benzyl phosphate, sodium phenyl phosphate, sodium ethyl phosphate, di-p-nitrobenzyl phosphate, sodium o-methoxyphenyl phosphate, cyclohexylammonium p-cyanobenzyl phosphate, sodium phenacyl phosphate, benzyl o-carbomethoxyphenyl phosphate, and the like.

By the term aryl is included aryl, aralkyl, and alkaryl groups, such as phenyl, p-chlorophenyl, p-methoxyphenyl, benzyl, phenethyl, tolyl, ethylphenyl, and the like. The wavy line (3) designates and includes both the alpha and beta configurations.

The novel 17B (4' loweralkoxytetrahydropyran-'4'-yloxy)' ethers of Formula I and 3,3-(4'-loweralkoxytetrahydropyran-4-yloxy) ethers of Formula V can be prepared from the corresponding respective 17fi-hydroxy and 3/8- hydroxy compounds as follows:

wherein 13 R16: 17 R18: 21 R36 37 40, 42 43 R R49 X, and Z have the meanings indicated above with respect to Formulas I and V.

In carrying out the above illustrated process, the 17B- hydroxy compounds of Formula I are reacted under sub stantially anhydrous conditions with an excess of 4'- (lower)alkoxy-S',6'-dihydro-2H-pyran; for example, with from about two to about 50 or more molecular equivalents for each hydroxyl group in the steroid starting material, in the presence of a small amount of an acidic catalyst such as hydrochloric acid, p-toluenesulfonic acid, boron trifluoride etherate, and the like, either alone or together with an inert, organic solvent, such as benzene, diethyl ether, methylene chloride, or the like, at a temperature ranging from about 0 C. to about C. (preferably at around room temperature, i.e., 25 C.) for about five minutes to about 48 hours, thus giving the corresponding 17/8-(4'-loweralkoxytetrahydropyran-4'-yloxy) ethers represented by Formula I.

The 3 3-(4'-loweralkoxytetrahydropyran-4-yl) ethers of Formula V are prepared by reacting the 3B-hydroxy compounds of Formula V' under anhydrous conditions with 4-'(lower)alkoxy-5',6'-dihydro-ZH-pyran in the presence of an inorganic solvent, such as benzene, diethyl ether, m t ylene chloride and the like, and in the presence of a catalytic amount of a stable sulfonyl chloride, such as ptoluenesulfonylchloride, benzenesulfonyl chloride, methanesulfonyl chloride, p-nitrobenzenesulfonyl chloride, and the like, at temperatures of from 0 C. to 80 C. (preferably at room temperature) for from five minutes to 48 hours.

The starting materials represented by Formula I are known in the art or are obtainable by known methods from known steroids. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,067,214.

The starting materials represented by Formula V' are known in the art or are obtainable from known steroids by known methods. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,365,446. The Formula V steroids are obtained from the 3-keto precursor steroids by reduction of the 3-ket0 group such as with lithium tri-t-butoxy aluminum hydride, lithium trimethoxy aluminum hydride, and the like in an inert, organic solvent, such as tetrahydrofuran, ether, monoglyme, and the like, at a temperature of from room temperature for rapidly reduced compounds up to reflux conditions for compounds exhibiting lower rates of reduction.

The 3-keto precursor steroids for the above elaboration are prepared by processes described in U.S. Pat. 3,338,928, and Ser. No. 499,092, filed Oct. 20, 1965. One particularly useful and novel class of precursors are the 1,2-methylene- 6,7-difluoromethylene-17a-acyloxypregn-4-en-3-ones and the corresponding 17a-hydroxy and 17a-dihydroxy derivatives thereof, the preparation of which is described in detail hereinafter.

The methyleneation reaction hereof by which a halomethylene group is added in at least one of positions C-1,2 and C-6,7 involves treatment of a conjugated unsaturated steroid with a molar excess of an alkali or alkaline earth metal salt of a haloacetic acid, such as bromodichloroacetic acid, trichloroacetic acid, dichlorofiuoroacetic acid, difluorochloroacetic acid, and the like.

It is preferable to conduct this reaction after certain labile substituents, such as hydroxy groups, have been protected. This protection is preferably accomplished by converting them to esters, tetrahydropyranyl ethers, or ketones which groups readily facilitate the regeneration of the hydroxyl. This preference is not an absolute necessity, however, for while free hydroxy groups will often become involved in side reactions under the conditions of the process, they can be readily regenerated by execution of a mild hydrolysis after completion of the reaction.

The fused methylene group is introduced by reaction of the unsaturated steroid with dimethylsulfoxonium methylide base in dimethylsulfoxide. Alternatively, reductive dehalogenation of the halomethylene group, inserted via the methyleneation reaction described above, such as with lithium aluminum hydride affords the fused methylene group in lieu thereof.

The conjugated unsaturated starting steroid may be prepared in a number of ways. For example, in the introduction of a double bond between carbons l and 2, the A ring of the 3-keto-20-ethylenedioxy-A compound is first reduced with lithium metal in liquid ammonia providing the B-keto-Sa-pregnane (allopregnane). Upon treatment of the alloprcgnane thus obtained with bromine, sodium acetate, and p-toluenesulfonic acid, the 2-bromo-3-keto- 5a-pregnane is obtained which is dehydrobrominated with calcium carbonate in dimethylacetam-ide to afford the A unsaturated derivative. Thereafter, the corresponding 1,2- halomethylene derivative or, alternatively, the l,2-rnethylene derivative is prepared as described hereinbefore. The introduction of a double bond between carbons 4 and 5 results from a sequence of 'bromination followed by dehydrobromination as described above. The A -diene system is provided by treating the 1,2-substituted-3-keto-4-ene with chloranil in the presence of ethylacetate and acetic acid. The 20-ethylenedioxy protecting group is removed with p-tolueuesulfonic acid in ethanol at room temperature, yielding the 20-keto group. Thus, for example, the 1,2-methylenepregn-4-en-3-ones and 1,2-methylenepregna- 4,6-dien-3-ones of this invention are prepared as Well as the 1,2-halomethylene derivatives thereof.

To provide a 6,7halomethylene or -methylene substituent, a 3-keto-4,6-diene system is first generated, such as by treating the corresponding 3-keto-4-ene with chloroanil in the presence of ethylacetate and acetic acid as described above followed by introduction of the C-6,7 substituent as described above thus giving the 3-keto-4-ene containing a 6,7-halomethylene or -methylene group, i.e., the 6,7-halomethylenepregn-4-en-3-ones and 6,7-rnethylene-pregn-4- en-3-ones.

The halomethylene or methylene group may similarly be inserted at position C6,7 in a 1,2-substituted-3-keto- 4,6-diene which is provided via the procedure outlined above. Thus obtained are the 1,2; 6,7 -bis(halornethylene)- pregn-4-en-3-ones and the corresponding methylene derivatives thereof.

The addition of the methylene and halomethylene groups in accordance with the procedures set forth herein at either of positions C-l,2 and C-6,7 is accomplished with the orientation of the resultant fused grouping including both isomeric alpha and beta configurations in variable ratios. The isomeric product mixture in each instance is conveniently and readily subjected to conventional techniques, such as chromatography, fractional crystallization, and the like, by which the alpha and beta isomers are separated by virtue of their different physical properties. Each isomer can thereafter be subjected to further elaboration at other parts of the molecule.

In some instances, one particular configurational isomer predominates in the reaction mixture. Thus, for example, Cl,2 additions of either the methylene or halomethylene group usually favor the alpha isomer. The presence of an IIfS-hydroxyl orients the C6,7 methylene predominantly to the beta configuration, but does not alter the usual alpha to beta ratio in the halomethylene series. Beta addition in the halomethylene series is favored by the presence of a 9a-halo substituent.

The substituents represented by R and R are preferably present in the starting steroids of Formula V although the 6-halo groups may be introduced by converting the 3-keto-4-ene to its enol ether, such as by treatment with ethyl ort-hoformate and treating the thus prepared enol ether intermediate with N-chlorosuccinimide or perchloryl fluoride, respectively, yielding a 3-keto-4,6-diene containing a 6-chloro or -6-fiuoro group.

The enol ether may also be treated with N-brornosuccinimide and the resultant 'G-bromo com-pound then dehydrobrominated with calcium oxide to yield the 3-keto- 4,6-diene. This upon treatment with chromyl chloride yields the 6,7-ch1orohydrin which, when subjected to the 6 action of hydrogen bromide in acetic acid, affords the 3- keto-6-chloro-4,6-diene.

The substituents represented and defined by R and R may be present in the starting steroid or they may be subsequently introduced via conventional procedures. Thus, anllB-hydroxy compound is dehydrated to yield the 9.(ll)-ene. This compound is converted to the 9,8,115- oxido through the bromohydrin intermediate. Treatment of the oxido compound with hydrogen fluoride or hydrogen chloride then yields the 9a.-flu0ro-11fl hydroxy or 9achloro-llB-hydroxy compounds. Alternatively, the 9(ll)- ene is treated with chlorine to yield the 9u,l1}3-dichloro derivative.

The substituents represented by R and R are present in the starting steroid. 16a,l7a-acetals and -ketals are prepared through treatment of a l6a,l7u-dihydroxy compound with an aldehyde or ketone in the presence of an acid, such as perchloric acid. The resultant acetal or ketal, for example, a 16a,l7a-isopropylidenedioxy derivative may be utilized as a final compound or as an intermediate, the group =being cleaved with regeneration of the diol by the action of hydrofluoric acid.

The 16-methylene group is present in the starting steroid and can be introduced as disclosed in US. Pat. 3,262,950 from a 16-methylpregna-4,l6-diene-3,20-dione or l6-methyl-l9l-norpregna-4,l6-diene-3,20-dione. The C16,l7 double bond is selectively epoxidized with hydrogen peroxide, for example, in a lower alkanol or other solvent, to form the l60t,17Ot-OXldO group which is then cleaved to form the l6-methylene-l7a-hydroxy or -acetoxy derivative in a solvent of a mineral acid or acetic anhydride, respectively, in a solvent of low ionizing power, such as benzene.

The substituents represented by R are present in the starting steroid and can be introduced as described in US. Pat. 3,262,950. For example, the 2l-unsu-bstituted compound can be reacted with iodine in the presence of calcium oxide and methanol in tetrahydrofuran to form the 2l-iodo intermediate which is then reacted with silver fluoride, for example, to form the 2l-fluoro derivative.

The 4'-(lower)alkoxy-S,6-dihydro-2H-pyran reactants used to form the ethers of this invention can be prepared by Well-known methods. For example, tetrahydro-4-pyrone can be reacted with a primary or secondary lower alkanol under acidic conditions to form the intermediate, 4',4' di(lower)a-lkoxytetrahydropyran, which upon distillation with an acid, such as toluenesulfonic acid or mesitylenesulfonic acid, yields the 4-(lower) alkoxy-S',6'-dihydro-2H-pyran product. Such a method is described by Reese et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc., 89, 3367 (1967). The lower alkanol is preferably methanol but it can be other lower alcohols, such as ethanol, propanol, isopropanol, butanol, isobutanol, pentanol, amyl alcohol, hexanol, and the like, to form the corresponding pyrans, such as, for example, 4-methoxy-5',6-dihydro-2H-pyran, 4-ethoxy-5,6'-dihydro-2H-pyrau, etc.

The 3,- 17/3-, and 3,l7B-bis(4-loweralkoxytetrahydropyran-4-yloxy) ethers represented by Formulas II, III, and IV can be prepared from the corresponding androsten-17B-ol-3-one and 19-norandrosten-17/3-ol-3-one compounds by a process which can be illustrated schematically as follows for the compounds of Formula II:

n X CRzs R17 R17 R13 13 (VII) HO Z4 i Z4 R21 R22 R21 R22 [I X 0 URsa R17| R17 R1 R /g HO (VIII) X (XI) 4, Z, R21 R22 R 1 R22 X OH ""R13 R17 RiB R13 C q R13 0 y; (IX) (XII) R2: O i

/i Z4 /& Z4 R21 R22 R21 R22 In these formulas, R13, R17, R18, R21, R22, Z4, and X have the meanings given with respect to Formulas I-V above, and R is an alkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkenyl, or cycloalkyl group having up to 12 carbon atoms.

In carrying out the above illustrated process, 170:- ethynylandrost-4-en-17fl-ol-3-one, for example, (VI: R and R =ethynyl; and R and R =hydrogen) is reacted under substantially anhydrous conditions with an excess of 4-(lower)alkoxy-S,6'-dihydro-2I-I-pyran as described above with respect to Formula I to give the corresponding 17a-ethynyl 17,8 (4-loweralkoxytetrahydropyran-4- i yloxy)androst-4-en-3-one (VII). This compound can be converted to the 3fi-hydroxy derivative by dissolving it in an inert solvent such as a (lower)alkanol, such as methanol, an ether, such as dioxane or tetrahydrofuran or the like, and reacting it under neutral conditions with a metal hydride, such as lithium aluminum hydride, sodium borohydride, and the like, at temperatures ranging from room temperature to reflux temperature for from about one hour to about 24 hours, thus giving the corresponding 17a ethynyl-17fl-(4-loweralkoxytetrahydropyran-4'-yloxy)-androst-4-en-3B-ol (VIII). To obtain the 3fl-ester of Formula IX, the product can be reacted with an organic acid anhydride in pyridine or with a solution of ethylmagnesium bromide and the desired organic chloride in anhydrous ether; for example, reaction with acetic anhydride yields 3fi-acetoxy-17ot-ethynyl-17fi-(4'- loweralkoxytetrahydropyran-4'-yloxy)androst-4-ene (IX: R =methyl). By this procedure, the compounds represented by Formulas VIIIX, inclusive, are obtained with other androst-4-en-175-ol-3-ones wherein R is hydrogen or methyl; R is ethyl or methyl; R is lower alkenyl, lower alkynyl, lower haloalkynyl, and

--O:CH

C R11; R20

wherein R and R each is hydrogen, chloro, or fluoro; and R and R each is hydrogen, methyl, fluoro, or chloro.

In carrying out the above-illustrated process to form the 3p-(4'-loweralkoxytetrahydropyran-4'-yloxy) ethers of Formulas XI and XII from the compounds represented by Formula VI, the keto group at C-3 is first reduced to 3,8-hydroxy such as by reaction with lithium tri-t-butoxy aluminum hydride or lithium aluminum hydride as described above with respect to Formula VIII to yield, for example, 17a-ethynylandrost-4-ene-3/3,17fl-diol. The product is then esterified with one molar equivalent of acetic anhydride by procedures described with respect to Formula IX to form a mixture of mono-esters. The 175- acetoxy compounds are separated from the mixture by conventional chromatographic techniques. For example, ethynylandrost 4 ene-l7/3-ol-3-one (VI: R and R =methyl; R =ethynyl; and R and R =hydrogen) is reduced to 17a-ethynylandrost-4-ene-3p,17B-diol and the product is esterified to form 17a-ethynyl-17/3-acetoxyandrost-4-en-3B-ol (X). This compound is then reacted with 4 (lower) alkoxy 5',6' dihydro-ZH-pyran as described above with respect to Formula VII to yield the corresponding 3,8-ether, for example, 3,6-(4-loweralkoxytetrahydropyran 4 yloxy) 17 0c ethynyl-l7 8-acetoxyandrost-4-ene (XI). If the 17,8-hydroxy compound as described in Formula XII is desired, the latter product is hydrolyzed by conventional procedures, for example, in a solution of potassium hydroxide in methanol, to yield the desired product, for example, 3fi-(4'-loweralkoxytetrahydropyran 4 yloxy) 17a ethynylandrost-4-en- -01. By this procedure, other 3,8-(4-1oweralkoxytetrahydropyran-4-yloxy) compounds represented by Formulas XI and XII can be prepared from the corresponding compounds of Formula VI wherein R is hydrogen or methyl; R is methyl or ethyl; R is lower alkenyl, lower alkynyl, lower haloalkynyl, and

wherein R and R each is hydrogen, chloro, or fluoro; and R and R each is hydrogen, methyl, fluoro, or chloro.

In the above-illustrated processes to make the 35,17,8- bis(4'-loweralkoxytetrahydropyran-4'-yloxy) ethers represented by Formula XIII, the corresponding l7fi-hydroxy- 3-keto of Formula VI is first reduced by reaction with a metal hydride, such as lithium tri-t-butoxy aluminum hydride or lithium'aluminum hydride, to yield the corresponding 3p-hydroxy compound as described above with respect to the compounds of Formula VIII. The 3p,17pdihydroxy compound, for example, 17a-ethynylandrost- 4-ene-3fi,l7fi-diol, is then reacted with a molar excess of 4 (lower) alkoxy-S',6'-dihydro-2H-pyran as described above with respect to Formula VII to yield the corresponding 35,175 bis(4 loweralkoxytetrahydropyran-4- yloxy) ether, such as, for example, 35,17,8-bis(4'-methoxytetrahydropyran 4 yloxy) 17oz ethynylandrost 4- ene. By this procedure, other compounds represented by Formula XIII, wherein R R R R R and X are as defined above, can be obtained from the corresponding substituted compounds represented by Formula VI.

By the above-illustrated procedures, the 318-, 17 8-, and 3,175 bis(4 loweralkoxytetrahydropyran 4' yloxy)- 19-norandrost-5(10)-enes and -l9-norandrosta-4,9(l0)- dienes represented by Formulas III and IV, respectively, can be prepared from the corresponding 19-norandrost- 9 5 (10)-en-17p-ol-3-ones and 19-norandrosta-4,9( 10) -dienl7fi-ol-3-ones.

In preparing the ethers of Formula II, and the substituents R R R R and R are present in the known starting compounds. See, for example, JACS, '80, 4717 (1958); JACS, 83, 4663 (1961); J. Pharm. Pharmacol, 9, 929 (1957); Ben, 71, 1024 (1938); Endocrinology, 65, 265 (1959); and US. Pats. 3,028,401, 3,047,592, 3,052,- 693, and 3,067,214.

In preparing the ethers of Formula HI, the substituents R and -CECR25 are also present in the known starting compounds. See, for example, JACS, 83, 4663 1961) and Endocrinology, 65, 265 (1959).

In preparing the ethers of Formula IV, the substituents R and R are also present in the known starting compound. See, for example, JACS, 83, 4663 (1961), I Chem. Soc., 4472 (1964), and US. Pats. 3,086,027, 3,248,294, 3,250,793, and 3,257,278.

Starting materials having an 18-methyl group are obtainable by methods described by Smith et al. in Experimentia, vol. 19, pp. 394-396 (1963).

In reacting the -35, C'-17B and 033,173 hydroxy compounds herein-disclosed wtih 4'-(lower)alkoxy-5',6'- dihydro-2H-pyran by the procedures described herein to form the 4-(lower)alkoxytetrahydropyran-4'-yl ethers of this invention,a second series of ethers, that is, 5,6-dihydro-2H-pyran4'-yl ethers of the starting materials are also formed. This second series of ethers correspond to those represented by Formulas I, II, III, IV and V wherein X is the 5,6'-dihydro-2H-pyran-4'-yloxygroup. Hydrocarbon solvents for the reaction medium,-l1igher catalyst concentrations, and longer reaction; times increase the yield of the 5',6-dihydro-2H-pyran-4'-yloxy compounds; use of ether or tetrahydrofuran solvents, v lower catalyst concentrations, and shorter reaction times increase the yield of the 4'-(lower) alkoxytetrahydropyran-4'-yloxy compounds. This second series of compounds can be separated from the reaction products by conventional chromatographic techniques.

These 5',6'-dihydro-2H-pyran ethers are progestational agents useful in thetreatment of menstrual disorders and fertility control and can be used inthe same manner as 1704 acetoxy 6 chloropregna 4,6 diene 3,20 dione (chlormadinone acetate). The 16-methylene species are particularly useful in estrus, synchronization in domestic animals. These compounds are administered by the. usual routes, whether orally or parenterally, either alone or in ceutically acceptable, non-toxic compositions formed by the incorporation of any of the normally employed excipients. v, v p I Examples of suitable 5,6'-dihydro-2H-pyran-4'-yl ethers are p I l I V 3-cyclopentoxy-17u-ethynyl-17,8- (5',6-dihydro-2H- pyran-4-yloxy)-19-norandrosta-3,5-diene, 3-cyclopentoxy-17a-ethyny1-17p-(5', 6'-dihydro-2H- pyran'4'-yloxy)-18-methyl-19 norandrosta-3,5-diene, S-ethoxy-l7u-ethynyl-17B-(5',6-dihydro-2H-pyran-4'- yloxy)androsta-3,5-diene,

norandrost-4 en- 3-one,

' yloxy)-1 8-methyl-l9-norandrost-4-ene,

.50 conjunction with other medicinal'agents, or in pharma- 1 0 6u methyl-17a-ethynyl-17/3-(5',6-dihydro-2H-pyran-4fyloxy)-19-norandrosta-4,6-dien-3-one, 6a-methyl-l7a-ethynyl-l7fl-(5',6'-dihydro-2H-pyran-4- yloxy)-1S-methyl-19-norandrosta-4,6-dien-3-one, 6a-methyl-l7a-methylethynyl-l7f3-(5',6-dihydro-2H- pyran-4-yloxy) androst-4-en-3-one, 3-(5',6'-dihydro-2H-pyran-4'-yloxy)-l7a-ethynyl-19- norandrost-4-en-17B-ol, 3-(5,6'-dihydr0-2H-pyran-4-yloxy)-17a-ethynyl-17,8-

acetoxy-19-norandrost-4-ene, 3,17p-bis(5',6-dihydro-2H-pyran-4'-yloxy)-17a-ethynyl- 19-norandrost4-ene, f 17a-ethynyl- 17,6- (5 ,6'-dihydro-2H-pyran-4'-yloxy) 19- norandrost-S 10) -en-3-one, 17a-ethynyl-17 3- 5',6'-dihydro-2H-pyran-4'-yloxy) -18- methyl-19-norandrost-5 10 -en-3-one, 17u-chloroethynyl-175-(5',6'-dihydr0-2H-pyran-4'-yloxy)- 19-norandrosta-4,9( 10)-dien-3-one, 17a-ethynyl-17 3-(5,6'-dihydro-2H-pyran-4'-yloxy)l9- norandrosta-4,9( 10),1I-trien-3-one, 17a-ethynyl-17}?-(5',6-dihydro-2H-pyran-4-yloxy)-18- methyl- 19-norandr0sta-4,9( l0) ,1 l-trien-3-one, I 3,3-(5,6-dihydro-2H-pyran-4'-yloxy)-6-chloro-l7u-acetoxypregna-4,6-dien-20-one, I 3,8-(5',6'-dihydro-2H-pyran-4'-yloxy)-6-chloro-17a-acetoxy-19-norpregna-4,6-dien-20-one, 1a,2u-methylene-3fl-(5',6'-dihydro-2H-pyran-4'-yloxy)-6- chloro-l7a-acetoxypregna-4,6-dien-20-one, 3B-(5,6'-dihydro-2H-pyran-4'-yloxy)-6-rnethyl-17a-acetoxypregna-4,6-dien-20-one, i 3 6- 5 ',6-dihydro-2H-pyran-4-yloxy -6-methyl-'17a-acetoxy-l9-norpregna-4,6-dien-20-one, 3 3- (5 6'-dihydro-2H-pyran-4'-yloxy -6-chl0r0-16-methylene-17a-acetoxypregna-4,6-dien-20-one, 3 8- (5,6-dihydro-2H-pyran-4-yloxy -6-methyll 6-methylene-17a-acetoxypregna-4,6-dien-20-one, 3 6- (5 ,6-dihydro-2H-pyran-4-yloxy) -6a-methyll 6-methylene-l7a-acetoxypregn-4-en-20-one, 3,8- 5 ,6'dihydro-2H-pyran-4'-yloxy -6a-fiu0r0- 16amethylpregn-4-en-20 -one, 36- (5 -dihydro-2H-pyran-4-yloxy) -6u-fluoro-16,B-

methylpregn-4-en-20-one, 3,B(5,6'-dihydro-2H-pyran-4'-yloxy)-16a,17a-methylphenylmethylenedioxypregn-4-en-20-one, I 3p-(5',6'-dihydro-2H-pyran-4'-yloxy)-6;8-fluoro-6a,7adifluorornethylene-17a-acetoxypregnl-en-20-one, 3f?-(5',6'-dihydro 2H-pyran-4'-yloxy)-6a,16u-dimethylpregn-4-en-20-one, 1 4 3 ,6- 5 ,6-dihydro-ZH-pyran 4'-yloxy) pre gn-4-en-1 1,20-

dione, I I I.-I W" 3 fi-( 5 ',6'-dihydro-2H-pyran-4-yloxy) -6,9a, 1 l'fl-trichlor'o- 17u-acetoxypregna-4,6 dien-2O-one, I 3 3 fi-( 5',6'-dihydro-2H-pyran-4-yloxy) -6-chloro-9u-fiuoro- 17a-acet0xypregna-4,6-dien-1 1,8-ol-20-0ne, 3/3-(5,6-dihydro-2H-pyran-4-yloxy)-6-chlor0-17acaproyloxypregna-4,6-dien-20-one, I 313-(5,6'-dihydro-2H-pyran-4'-yloxy)-6a-methylpregn-4- en-11,20-dione, v I and the like. I v

The invention is further illustrated by the following specific but non-limiting examples.

EXAMPLE 1 EXAMPLE 9 Repeating the procedure of Example 7 but replacing 17oz. ethynyl-17 8-(4'-methoxytetrahydropyran-4'-yloxy)- 19-norandrost-4-en-3-one with 17ot-ethynyl-l9-norandrost- 4-en-l7fi-ol-3-one17a-ethynyl 19 norandrost-4-ene- 3,8,175-diol is obtained.

A mixture of 1 g. of 17a-ethynyl-19-norandrost-4-ene- 3B,l7B-diol, 4 ml. of pyridine, and 2 ml. of acetic anhydride is allowed to stand at room temperature for 15 hours. The mixture is then poured into ice Water, and the solid which forms is collected by filtration, washed with water, and dried. The mixture is chromatographed on neutral alumina, eluting with etherzhexane, to yield 17aethynyl-17B-acetoxy-l9-norandrost-4-en-3B-ol.

Repeating this sequence of procedures with other 19- norandrost -4-en-l7[3-ol-3-ones, androst 4 en 17,8- o1-3-ones, 19-norandrosta 4,6 dien 175 ol-3-ones, and androsta-4,6-diene-l7fi-ol-3-ones having hydrogen, methyl, chloro, or fluoro groups at -611 and/or C6}3 (at C-6 with 4,6-dienes); ethynyl, methylethynyl, chloroethynyl, or fluoroethynyl groups at C17a; and hydrogen or methyl groups at C-18 yields the corresponding 3,B hydroxy-17a-ester compounds, e.g.,

17a-ethynyl-175-acetoxy-1S-methyl-19-norandrost-4- en-3/8-ol, 17 a-methylethynyl-17,3-acetoxy-l9-norandrost-4-en- 36-01, 170c-ChlOI'O6thYI1Yl-17 p-acetoxy-19-norandrost-4 en 313-01, 17a-fluoroethynyl-17,8-acetoxy-19-norandrost-4-en- 3,8-01, 17a-ethynyl-Uri-acetoxy-19-androst-4-en-3fl-ol, 6a-methyl-17e-ethynyl-17fi-acetoxy-19-norandrost-4- en-SB-ol, a-chloro-17a-ethynyl-17/3-acetoxy-19-norandrost-4 611-313-01, 6a-fluoro-17a-ethynyl-17fl-acetoxy-l9-norandrost-4 en-318-ol, 6fl-methyl-17a-ethynyl-l7 3-acetoxy-l9 norandrost-4- en-3fi-ol, 65-chlor0-l7u-ethynyl-17B-acetoxy-l9-norandrost-4- en-3fl-ol, 6B-fluoro-17a-ethynyl-flit-acetoxy-19-norandrost-4- en-3B-ol, 6a,65-difluoro- 17 a-ethynyl-l7,3-acetoxy-19-norandrost- 4-en-3fi-ol, 17a-ethynyl-17 3-acetoxyandrost-4-en-3,8-01, 17a-ethynyl-17fl-acetoxy-18-methylandrost-4-en-3 3-ol, 17a-vinyl-l7B-acetoxy-l8-methylandrost-4-en-3-01, and 17u-vinyl-17B-acetoxy-18-methyl-19-norandrosta-4, 6-

diene-3 8-01.

EXAMPLE Repeating the procedure of Example 1 but replacing 3-methoxy 17oz ethynylandrosta-3,5-dien-17fi-ol with 17a-ethynyl -'17B acetoxy-19-norandrost-4-en-3fl-ol 3B- (4'-methoxytetrahydropyran-4-yloxy) 17a ethynyl- 17/3acetoxy-19-norandrost-4-ene is obtained. Similarly, substituting the other products of Example 9 in this procedure, the corresponding 3 3-ethers are obtained, e.g.,

3 [3- (4-methoxytetrahydropyran-4'-yloxy l7 a-ethynyll7p-acetoxyl 8-methyll9-norandrost-4-ene,

3 fl-(4'-methoxytetrahydropyran-4'-yloxy)-17u-methyl ethynyl-17fi-acetoxyl9-norandrost-4-ene,

3 3- (4'-methoxytetrahydropyran-4'-yloxy) -'17wch1oroethynyl-17B-acetoxy-19-norandrost-4-ene,

3 3- (4'-methoxytetrahydropyran-4-yloxy) -17a-fiuoroethynyl-17p-acetoxy-19-norandrost-4-ene,

318- 4'-methoxytetrahydropyran-4'-yloxy -6a-methyl- 17a-ethynyl- 17,8-acetoxy-19-norandrost-4-ene,

3 B- 4'-methoxytetrahydropyran-4'-yloxy -6a-chl0r0- l7oc-Ctl'lYIlYl-17/3-E1C61OXY- l9-norandrost-4-ene,

3 fi- 4'-methoxytetrahydropyran-4'-yloxy) -6a-fiuorol7a-ethynyl-17,8-acetoxy-l9-norandrost-4-ene,

3 ,8- (4'-methoxytetrahydropyran-4-yloxy -6;S-methyl- 1 7a-ethynyl- 17 B-acetoxy- 19-norandrost-4-ene,

3 B- (4'-methoxytetrahydropyran-4-yloxy) -6fl-chloro- 17u-ethynyl-17fi-acetoxy-19-norandrost-4ene,

35- (4'-methoxytetrahydropyran-4'-yloxy -6;3-fluorol7a-ethynyl-l7B-acetoxy-19-norandrost-4-ene,

3 9- (4'-methoxytetrahydropyran-4'-yloxy) -6 x,6i3-difiuoro- 17a-ethynyl-17fl-acetoxy- 19-norandrost-4-ene,

3 ,3- (4-methoxytetrahydropyran-4'-yloxy -17 u-ethynyl- 17/8-acetoxyandrost-4-ene,

3 8- (4-methoxytetrahydr0pyran-4'-yloxy) -17a-vinyl- 17fi-acetoxy-1 8-methylandrost-4-ene,

3 5- 4'-methoxytetrahydropyran-4-yloxy) -17a-vinyll7B-acetoxy-1 S-methyl-1'9-norandrosta-4,6-diene, and

3 B- f4-methoxytetrahydropyran-4'-yloxy) -17a-ethynyll7fl-acetoxy-18-methylandrost-4-ene.

EXAMPLE 11 A solution of l g. of 313-(4'-methoxytetrahydropyran- 4 yloxy) 17a ethynyl 17B acetoxy 19 norandrost- 4-ene in 50 ml. of methanol is heated at reflux for three hours with a solution of potassium hydroxide in 1 ml. of water. The reaction mixture is then poured into ice water and the solid which forms is collected by filtration, washed with water to neutrality, and dried to yield 3B-(4'-methoxytetrahydropyran 4 yloxy) 17 a ethynyl 19* norandrost-4-en-l7fi-ol which is recrystallized from methylene chloridezether.

Similarly, the other 17,8-ester products of Example 10 are converted to the corresponding 175-015 by this pro cedure.

EXAMPLE 12 Repeating the procedure of Example 7 but replacing 17a ethynyl 175 (4' methoxytertahydropyran 4- yloxy) 19 norandrost 4 en 3 one with 17a-ethynyl 19 norandrost 4 en 17B o1 3 0I16l7uethynyl-19-norandrost-4-en-3/3,17fi-diol is obtained. Then repeating the procedure of Example 1 but replacing 3- methoxy 17oz ethynylandrosta 3,5 dien 17p ol with 17a ethynyl 19 norandrost 4 en 3,8,17/3- diol and using 4 ml. instead of 2 m1. of 4'-methoxy-5,6'-dihydro 2H pyran-3;8,17B bis(4 methoxytetrahydropyran-4-yloxy)-17a-ethynyl-19-norandrost 4 ene is obtained.

Repeating this sequence of procedure with other 19- norandrost-4-en-17 S-ol-3-ones, androst 4 en-17fl-ol 3- ones, 19-norandrosta-4 6-dien-17,8-ol-3-ones, and androsta-4,-6-dien-l7fi-ol-3-ones having hydrogen, methyl, chloro, or fluoro groups at C-60'. and/or C-Gfl positions (at C-6 with 4,-6-dienes); lower alkenyl, 2"t,2"-difiuorocyclopropenyl, ethynyl, methylethynyl, chloroethynyl, or fluoro ethynyl groups at C 170; and hydrogen or methyl'at C 18 yields the corresponding 35,17,8-bisethers, e.g., 3 51,175 bis(4'-methoxytetrahydropyran 4 yloxy) 17 ethy nylandrost-4-ene, 313, l7fi-bis (4-rnethoxytetr ahydropyran- 4-yloxy)-17u-ethynyl-18-methyl-19-norandrost 4 ene, and the like.

EXAMPLE 13 Repeating the'procedure of Example 1 but replacing 3 methoxy 17a ethynylandrosta 3,5 dien 17,8 or with 170: ethynyl 19 norandrost 5 10) en 17,9 ol-' 3 one-17m ethynyl 17B ('4' methoxytetrahydro-' pyran 4' yloxy) 19 norandrost 5(10) en 3 one is obtained.

1 9 17 a-ethynyl-l 7 3- (4'-methoxytetrahydropyran-4-y1oxy) 18-methy1- 19-norandrost-5 10) -en-3-one, 17a-methylethynyl-17/3-(4'-methoxytetrahydropyran-4- yloxy) -19-norandrost-5 10) -en-3-one, 17a-chloroethynyl-175- (4'-methoxytetrahydropyran-4'- yloxy) -19'-norandrost-5 10) -en-3-one, 17u-fluoroethynyl-175- (4'-methoxytetrahydropyran-4'- yloxy) 19-norandrost-5 10) -en-3-0ne, 17a-methylethynyl-17fl- (4'-methoxytetrahydropyran-4'- yloxy-18-methy1-19-norandrost-5 10) -en-3-one, 17a-chloroethynyl- 17 B- (4-methoxytetrahydropyran-4'- yloxy-18-methyl-19-norandrost-5 10) -en-3-one, and 17u-fluoroethynyl-17/3- (4'-methoxytetrahydropyran-4'- yloxy) -18-methyl-19 norandrost-5 10) -en-3 -one.

EXAMPLE 14 A solution of 1 g. of 17a-ethynyl-17B-(4-methoxytetrahydropyran-4'-yloxy)-19-n0randrost-5(10)-en 3 one in 50 ml. of tetrahydrofuran is added over a 30-minute period to a stirred suspension of 1 g. of lithium aluminum hydride in 50 ml. of anhydrous tetrahydrofuran and this mixture is heated at reflux for two hours. To the mixture are cautiously added 5 ml. of ethylacetate and 2 ml. of water. Sodium sulfate is next added, the mixture is filtered, and the solid thus collected is washed with hot ethylacetate. The combined organic solutions are then evaporated to yield 17a-ethynyl-17fi-(4'-methoxytetrahydropyran-4- yloxy)-19-norandrost-5(10)-en-3 8-ol which may be further purified through recrystallization from acetonezhexane.

Similarly, repeating this procedure with other products of Example 13 yields the corresponding 3fi-hydroxy derivatives, e.g.,

17a-ethynyl- 17 5- 4'-methoxytetrahydropyran-4-yloxy) 18-methyl-19-norandrost-5 -en-3fi-ol, 17a-methethynyl- 17 13- 4'-methoxytetrahydropyran-4'- yloxy) -19-norandrost-5 10) -en-3,B-ol, 17a-chloroethynyl- 17 p- (4'-methoxytetrahydropyran-4- yloxy) -19-noradrost-5 10) -en-3p-ol, 17a-fluoroethynyl-17fl-(4-\methoxytetrahydropyran-4- yloxy) -19-norandrost-5 10) -en-3 6-01, 17 a-methylethynyl- 17p- 4'-methoxytetrahydropyran-4'- yloxy)-18-methyl-19-norandrost-5 10) -en-3;3-ol, 17oz-Chl0l06thYl'1Yl- 1 7: 8- (4-methoxytetrahydropyran-4'- yloxy)-18-methyl-19-norandrost-5 10) -en-3fi-ol, and 17a-fluoroethynyl- 1 7 8- (4'-methoxytetrahydropyran-4'- yloxy) -18-methyl-19-norandrost-5 10) -en-3fi-ol.

EXAMPLE A mixture of 1 g. of 17a-ethynyl-17B-(4'-methoxytetrahydropyran-4'-yloxy)-19-norandrost-5 (10)-en-3fi-ol, 4 ml. of pyridine, and 2 ml. of acetic anhydride is allowed to stand at room temperature for 15 hours. The mixture is then poured into ice water and the solid which forms is collected by filtration, washed with Water, and dried to yield 3/9 acetoxy 17m ethynyl 1713 (4 methoxytetrahydropyran 4' yloxy) 19 norandrost 5(10)- ene which may be further purified through recrystallization from acetonezhexane.

Similarly, repeating this procedure with other products of Example 14 yields the corresponding 3fl-acetoxy derivatives, e.g., 3/3-acetoxy-17a-ethynyl-l7fl(4-methoxytetrahydropyran-4-yloxy) 17 methyl 19 norandrost-5(10)- ene, 3fl-acetoxy-17a-ethynyl-17,8- (4'-methoxytetrahydropyran-4'-yloxy)androst 5(10) ene, 3/3 acetoxy-17aethynyl-17fl-(4-methoxytetrahydropyran 4' yloxy)-18- methylandrost-5(10)-ene, and the like.

EXAMPLE 16 one-3,8,17fi-diol, 4 ml. of pyridine, and 2 ml. of acetic anhydride is allowed to stand at room temperature for 15 hours. The mixture is then poured into ice water, and the solid which forms is collected by filtration, washed with water, and dried. The mixture is chromatographed on neutral alumina, eluting with etherzhexane, to yield 17a-ethynyl-l7B-acetoxy-19-norandrost-5 10) -en-3 6-01.

Repeating this sequence of procedures with other 19- norandrost-5(10)-en-l7B-o1-3-ones having vinyl, 2",2"-difluorocyclopropenyl, ethynyl, methylethynyl, chloroethynyl, or fluoroethynyl groups at 0-170: and hydrogen or methyl groups at C-18 yields the corresponding 3,8-hydIOXY-17zx-6S1CI compounds, e.g.,

17u-ethynyl-17B-acetoxy-18-methyl-19-norandrost- 5(10)-en-3;8-ol, 17a-methylethynyl-17,8-acetoxy-19-norandrost- 5(10)-en-3B-ol, 17a-chloroethynyl-17,8-acetoxy-19-norandrost- 5(10)-en-3B-0l, 17 a-fiuoroethynyl-17fl-acetoxy- 19-norandrost- 5 10)-en-3B-ol, 17a-methylethynyl-l7B-acet0xy-18-methyl-19-norandrost- 5(10)-en-3 8-ol, 17 a-chloroethynyl- 17 fl-acetoxy- 1 8-methyl- 19-norandrost- 5 10 -en-3 6-01, and l7a-fiuoroethynyl-l7f3-acetoxy-18-methyl-19-norandrost- 5 l0) -en3,B-ol.

EXAMPLE 17 Repeating the procedure of Example 1 but replacing 3-methoxy-17a-ethynylandrosta-3,5-dien-17 3-0l with 17methynyl--acetoxy 19 norandrost-5(10)-en-3 B-ol 3,8-(4-methoxytetrahydropyran 4' yloxy)-17a-ethynyl- 17B-acetoxy-19-norandrost-5(10)-ene is obtained. Similarly using the other products of Example 16, the corresponding 3fi-ethers are obtained, e.g.,

3 8- 4'-methoxytetrahydropyran-4-yloxy) 17 inc-ethynyl- 17 8-acetoxy-18-rnethyl-l9-norandrost-5( 1O -ene,

3 ,8- 4'-methoxytetrahydropyran-4'-yloxy) 17 x-methylethynyl-17fl-acetoxy-19-norandrost-5 10)-ene,

3,6-(4'-methoxytetrahydropyran-4'-yloxy)-17a-chloro ethynyl-17/8-acetoxy-19-norandrost-5( 10) -ene,

3 ,8- 4-methoxytetrahydropyran-4'-yloxy 17a-fluoroethynyl-17B-acetoxy-19-norandrost-5 10) -ene,

3 p2- 4'-methoxytetrahydropyran-4'-yloxy -17a-methy1- ethynyl-17fl-acetoxy-19-norandrost-5 10) -ene,

35- (4'-methoxytetrahydropyran-4'-yloxy) -17oc-Chl0r0- ethynyl-17 3-acetoxy-19-norandrost-5 10) -ene, and

3 pi- 4'-methoxytetrahydropyran-4-yloxy) 17vc-fltl010- ethynyl-17fi-acetoxy-19-norandrost-5 10 -ene.

EXAMPLE 18 A solution of 1 g. of 3 3-(4'-methoxytetrahydropyran- 4' yloxy)-17u-ethynyl-17fl-acetoxy-19-norandrost-5 10) one in 50 ml. of methanol is heated at reflux for three hours with a solution of potassium hydroxide in 1 ml. of Water. The reaction mixture is then poured into ice water and the solid which forms is collected by filtration, Washed with water to neutrality, and dried to yield 3[3-(4- methoxytetrahydropyran 4' yloxy) 17a ethynyl-19- norandrost-5(10)-en-17fl-o1 which is recrystallized from methylene chloride:ether.

Similarly, the other 17,8-ester products of Example 17 are converted to the corresponding 17/i-o1s by this procedure.

EXAMPLE 19 Repeating the procedure of Example 14 but replacing 17a ethynyl 17,8 (4' methoxytetrahydropyran-4- yloxy) -19-norandrost-5( 10) -en-3 -one with 17 u-ethynyl- 1 9- norandrost-5(10)-en-17p-ol-3-one 17a ethynyl 19- norandrost-5(10)-ene3/3,17,8-diol is obtained. Then repeating the procedure of Example 1 but replacing 3- methoxy-17a-ethynylandrosta-3,4-dien-17,8-01 with 1704- ethynyl-19-n0randrost-5(10)-ene-3,B,175-diol and using 4 ml. rather than 2 ml. of 4'-rnethoxy-5',6'-dihydro-2H- pyran3,17fi bis(4' methoxytetrahydropyran-4'-y1- oxy)-17a-ethynyl-19-norandrost-5 10) -ene is obtained.

Repeating this sequence of procedures with other 19- norandrost-5(10)-en-17fl-o1-3-ones having vinyl, 2",2"-difluorocyclopropenyl, ethynyl, methylethynyl, chloroethynyl, or fluoroethynyl groups at C-17a and hydrogen or methyl at Cl8 yields the corresponding 3fl,17;8-bisethers, e.g., 3B,l7 3-bis(4'-methoxytetrahydropyran 4 yloxy)- 17u-methylethynyl 18 methyl-19-norandrost-4-ene, 3B, 17 3-bis(4-methoxytetrahydropyran 4' yloxy)-17o-ethynyl-l8-methyl-l9-norandrost-5(10)-cue, and the like.

EXAMPLE 20 Repeating the procedure of Example 1 but replacing 3-methoxy 17a ethynylandrosta-3,5-dien-17p-ol with Una-ethynyl 19 norandrosta-4,9(10)-dien-l7 3-ol-3-one 17u-ethyny1 17B (4' methoxytetrahydropyran-4- yloxy)19-norandrosta-4,9(10)-dien-3-one is obtained.

Similarly, repeating this procedure with other l9-norandrosta-4,9(10)-dien-17B-ol-3-ones and 19-norandrosta-4, 9(10),11-trien-17B-ol-3-ones having hydrogen or methyl at C-18 and lower alkenyl, lower alkynyl, lower haloalkynyl, cyclopropenyl, monoand dihalocyclopropenyl groups at -170: yields the corresponding 17/3-(4'-methoxytetrahydropyran-4-yloxy) compounds, e.g.,

17 a-ethynyl- 1 7B- (4'-methoxytetrahydropyran-4'-yloxy) 1S-methyl-19-norandrosta-4,9( 10) -dien-3-one,

l7a-fluoroethynyl-17,8-(4-methoxytetrahydropyran-4'- yloxy)-19-norandrosta-4,9(10)-dien-3-one,

17a-fiuoroethyny1-17B- (4'-methoxytetrahydropyran-4- I yloxy)-1S-methyl-l9 norandrosta-4,9( 10) -dien-3 -one,

17a-vinyl-17/3-(4-methoxytetrahydropyran-4'-yloxy-l9- norandrosta-4,9 10) -dien-3-one,

17 a-ViIlYl- 17 ,3- (4'-methoxytetrahydropyran-4'-yloxy) -1 8- methyl-19-norandrosta-4,9 10 -dien-3-one,

17a- 2",2"-difluorocyclopropenyl) -17,3- (4'-methoxytetrahydropyran-4'-yloxy) -19-norandr0sta-4,9 1O dien-3-one, I

17a-(2",2"-difluorocyclopropenyl) -17B- (4 -m ethoxytetrahydropyran-4'-yloxy 1 8-methy1-19-norandrosta- 4,9(10),11-trien-3-one, i

174x- Z",2."-difluorocyclopropenyl) 17 ,8- (4' methoxytetrahydropyran-4-yloxy) -19-norandrosta-4,9 10) ,1 1- trien-3-one,

17a-vinyl-17B- (4'-methoxytetrahydnopyran-4-yloxy 18-methyll9-norandrosta-4,9 10) ,1 1-trien-3-one,

1 7a-vinyl- 17 ;8- (4 -met.hoxy-tetrahy'dropyran-4-yloxy) 19-norandrosta-4,9 10),11-trien-3-one,

17a-ethynyl-17B-(4'-methoxytetrahydropyran-4-y1oxy)- 18-methy1-19-norandrosta-4,9 10) ,1 1-trien-3-one,

17a-ethynyl- 17 B- (4'-methoxytetrahydro pyran-4-yloxy 19norandrosta-4,9(10),11-trien-3-one,

17u-fiuoroethyny1-17B- (4'-methoxytetrahydropyran-4'- yloxy) -18-methyl-19-norandrosta-4,9 10) ,1 1-trien- 3-one,

17 a-fiuoroethynyl- 17,8- (4'-methoxytetrahydropyran-4'- yloxy)-19-norandrosta-4,9(10),11-trien-3-one,

17a-chlor0ethynyl-17B- (4'-methoxytetrahydropyran-4- yloxy) -19-norandrosta-4,9 10)-dien-3-0ne, and the like.

EXAMPLE 21 A solution of 1 g. of 17a-ethyny1-17p (4'-methoxytetrahydropyran-4'-yloxy) 19 norandrosta-4,9(10)- dien-3-one in 50 ml. of tetrahydrofuran is added over a 30-minute period to a stirred suspension of 1 g. of lithium tri-t-butoxy aluminum hydride in 50 ml. of anhydrous tetrahydrofuran and this mixture is heated at reflux for two hours. To the mixture are cautiously added ml. of ethylacetate and 2 ml. of water. Sodium sulfate is next added, the mixture is filtered, and the solid thus collected is washed with hot ethylacetate. The combined organic solutions are then evaporated to yield Not-ethynyl- 17B-(4'-methoxytetrahydropyran-4'-yloxy) 19 noran- 22 drosta-4,9(10)-dien-3fi-ol which may be further purified through recrystallization from acetonezhexane.

Similarly, repeating this precedure with other products of Example 20 yields the corresponding 3fi-hydroxy derlvatives, e.g.,

17a-ethynyl-17B-(4-methoxytetrahydropyran-4'-y1oxy) 18-methyl-19-norandrosta-4,9 10 -dien-3fi-o1,

17a-fluoroethynyl- 17 ,8- (4'-methoxytetrahydropyran-4- yloxy)-19-norandrosta-4,9(10)-dien-3B-ol,

17a-fiuoroethynyl-17B-(4-methoxytetrahydropyran-4'- yloxy)-1S-methyl-19-norandrosta-4,9( 10 -dien-3 5-01,

17a-vinyl-17 18- (4'-methoxytetrahydropyran-4'-yloxy 19-norandrosta-4,9( 10) -dien-3B-ol,

17a-viny1-173-(4-methoxytetrahydropyran-4-yloxy) 18-methyl-l9-norandrosta-4,9(10)-dien-3fi-ol,

17a-(2",2"-difluorocyclopropenyl)-17 8- (4'-methoxytetrahydropyran-4'-yloxy)-19-norandrosta-4,9(10)- dien-3 8-01,

17 a- (2",2"-difluorooyclopropenyl 17 [3- 4'-methoxytetrahydropy'ran-4-yloxy)-18-methyl-19-norandrosta- 4,9 10) ,1 1-trien-3 8-01,

1741- 2",2"-difluoroeyclopropeny1) 17B- (4'-methoxytetrahydropyran-4-yloxy) -19-norandrosta-4,9 10) 1 1- trien-3 [3-01,

17a-vinyl- 17 6- (4'-methoxytetrahydropyran-4'-yloxy 18-methyl- 19-norandrosta-4,9 10 ,1 1-trien-3 18-01,

17a-vinyl-17B- (4'-methoxytetrahydropyran-4'-yloxy) 19-norandrosta-4,9 10 ,1 1-trien-3 [3-01,

17u-ethyny1-17 8-(4'-methoxytetrahydropyran-4-yloxy) 18-methyl-19-norandrosta-4,9 10),11-trien-3fi-ol, 17a-ethynyl-17B-(4'-methoxytetrahydropyran-4-yloxy) 19-norandrosta-4,9 10 ,1 1-trien-3 5-01, 17a-fluoroethynyl- 17 ,8- (4unethoxytetrahydropyran-4'- yloxy)-18-methyl-19-norandrosta-4,9(10),11- trien-3 5-01,

17a-fluoroethynyl- 17 ,6- (4'-methoxytetrahydropyran-4- yloxy) -19-norandrosta-4,9 10) ,1 l-ttrien-S 3-01,

17a-chloroethynyl-17B- (4'-methoxytetrahydropyran-4- yloxy)-19-norandrosta-4,9(10)-dien-3,B-ol, and the like.

EXAMPLE 22 A mixture of 1 g. of 17a-ethynyl-17fi-(4'-methoxytetrahydropyran-4-yloxy) 19 norandrosta-4,9(10)-dien-3fi ol, 4 ml. of pyridine, and 2 ml. of acetic anhydride is allowed to stand at room temperature for 15 hours. The mixture is then poured into ice water and the solid which forms is collected by filtration, washed with water, and dried to yield 3 3-acetoxy-17a-ethynyl-17fi-(4'-methoxytetrahydropyran-4 yloxy)-19-norandrosta-4,9(10)-diene which may be further purified through recrystallization from acetone:hexane.

Similarly, repeating this procedure with other products of Example 21 yields the corresponding 3,8-acetoxy derivatives, e.g., 3/8-acetoxy-17a-ethynyl-1718-(4'-methoxy tetrahydropyran-4-yloxy)-18-methyl 19 norandrosta- 4,9( 10) -diene, 3 fl-acetoxy-17a-ethynyl-17B-(4'-methoxytetrahydropyran-4' yloxy)androsta-4,9(10)-diene, 3eacetoxy-17a ethynyl 17B-(4'-methoxytetrahydropyran- 4'-yloxy)-18-methylandrosta-4,9(10)-diene, and the like.

EXAMPLE 23 Repeating the procedure of Example 21 but replacing 17a-ethynyl-17,8-(4-methoxytetrahydropyran 4'-yloxy)- 19 norandrosta-4-en-3-one with 17u-ethynyl-19-norandrosta-4,9(10)-dien-17B-ol-3-one17u-ethynyl 19 norandrosta-4,9(10)-diene-3B,17/i-diol is obtained.

A mixture of 1' g. of ethynyl-19-norandrosta- 4,9,(10)-diene-3fl,17;8-diol, 4 ml. of pyridine, and 2 ml. of acetic anhydride is allowed to stand at room temperature for 15 hours. The mixture is then poured into ice Water, and the solid which forms is collected by filtration, washed with water, and dried. The mixture is chromatographed on neutral alumina, eluting with etherzhexane,

23 to yield 1 7a-ethynyl- 17 ,B-acetoxy- 19-norandrosta-4,9 10 dien-3,B-ol.

Repeating this sequence of procedures with other 19- norandrosta-4,5(10)-dien-17fi-ol 3 ones and 19-norandrosta-4,5(10),l1-trien-17/8-ol-3-ones having lower alkenyl, lower alkynyl, lower haloalkynyl, cyclopropenyl, and halocyclopropenyl groups at C-17a and hydrogen or methyl groups at C-18 yields the corresponding 313-hydroxy-17a-ester compounds, e.g.,

Nix-ethynyl-17fi-acetoxy-18-methyl-l9-norandrosta- 4,9 10 -dien-3 3-01,

17 a-vinyl- 17 fl-acetoxyl9-norandrosta-4,9 10) -dien- 17a-vinyl-l7fi-acetoxy-18-methyl-19-norandrosta- 4,9( 10)-dien-3 (3-01,

fluoroethynyl-l7fl-acetoxy- 1 9-norandrosta-4,9 10

dien-3 9-01,

fluoroethynyl-17,3-acetoxy-18-methyl-19-norandrosta- 4,9 1 -dien-3 8-01,

17 a- 2",2"-difluorocyclopropenyl -17 3-acetoxy-19- norandrosta-4,9 10) -dien-3fi-ol,

17oc- (2",2"-difiuorocyclopropenyl) -l 7B-acetoXy-l 8- methyl-19-norandrosta-4,9( 10 -dien-3fl-ol,

17a-ethynyl-17,8-acetoxy-18-methyl-19-norandrosta- 4,9( l0),11-trien-3;3-ol,

17u-ethynyl-l7fl-acetoxy-19-norandrosta-4,9(10),11-

trien-3B-ol,

17a-vinyll7fl-acetoxy-l 8-methy1-19-norandrosta- 4,9(10),11-trien-3;8-ol,

17a-vinyl-17,8-acetoxy-19-norandrosta-4,9(10),11-

trien-3fi-ol, and the like.

EXAMPLE 24 Repeating the procedure of Example 1 but replacing 3-methoxy-17u-ethynylandrosta-3,S-dien-l7B-ol with 170:- ethynyl-17B-acetoxy 19 norandrosta-4,9(10)-dien-3B- ol3,8-(4' methoxytetrahydropyran 4 yloxy)-17aethynyl-17p-acetoxy 19 norandrosta-4,9(10)-diene is obtained. Similarly substituting the other products of Example 23 in this procedure, the corresponding 3fi-ethers are obtained, e.g.,

3 5- 4'-methoxytetrahydropyran-4'-yloxy) -17a-ethynyl- 175-acetoxy-18-methy1-l9-norandrosta-4,9( -diene,

3,8-(4-methoxytetrahydropyran-4'-yloxy)-17a-vinyl- 17fi-acetoxy-19-norandrosta-4,9 10 -diene,

3 (4'-methoxytetrahydropyran-4-yloxy) -17a-vinyl- 17,6-actoxy-18-methyl-19-norandrosta-4,9 10)-diene,

3 ,B- 4-methoxytetrahydropyran-4'-yloxy) -17a-fluoroethynyl- 17 fl-acetoxy-l 9-norandrosta-4,9 10) -diene,

3/3- (4'-methoxytetrahydropyran-4-yloxy -17a-fluoroethynyl-17B-acetoxy- 1 8-methyl-19-norandrosta- 4,9(10)-diene,

3 5- 4-methoxytetrahydropyran-4-yloxy) -17 a- 2,2"- difiuorocyclopropenyl) -17 3-acetoxyl9-norandrosta- 4,9(10)-diene,

3 5- 4-methoxytetrahydropyran-4'-yloxy) 174x- 2",2"- difluorocyclopropenyl -17B-acetoxyl 8-methyl- 19- norandrosta-4,9( 10 -diene,

3 B- 4-methoxytetrahydropyran-4'-y1oxy) -1 7a-ethynyl- 17/3-acetoxy-lS-methyl-19-norandrosta-4,9(l0),l1- triene,

3 B-( 4'-methoxytetrahydropyran-4'-yloxy) -1 7a-ethynyl- 17,8-acetoxyl 9-norandrosta-4,9 10) ,1 l-triene,

3B- (4-methoxytetrahydropyran-4'-yloxy) 17u-viny1- 17fl-acetoxy-18-methyl-l9-norandrosta-4,9 10),11- triene,

3 4-methoxytetrahydropyran-4'-yloxy) -17 a-vinyl- 17fl-acetoxy-l9-norandrosta-4,9( 10) ,1 l-triene, and the like.

EXAMPLE A solution of 1 g. of 3,8-(4'-methoxytetrahydropyran- 4'-yloxy)-17u-ethynyl 17B acetoxy 19 norandrosta- 4,9(10)-diene in 50 ml. of methanol is heated at reflux for three hours with a solution of potassium hydroxide in 1 ml. of water. The reaction mixture is then poured into ice water and the solid which forms is collected by filtration, washed with water to neutrality, and dried to yield 3fi-(4'-methoxy tetrahydropyran-4'-yloxy)-l7u-ethynyl- 19-norandrosta-4,9(10)-dien-l7p-ol which is recrystallized from methylene chloridezether.

Similarly, the other 17B-ester products of Example 24 are converted to the corresponding 17fi-ols by this procedure.

EXAMPLE 26 Repeating the procedure of Example 21 but replacing 17a ethynyl-17B-(4-methoxytetrahydropyran-4'-yloxy)- l9-norandrosta-4,9(10)-dien-3-one with 17a-ethynyl-19- norandrosta-4,9(10)-dien-17B-ol-3-one 17a-ethynyl-19- norandrosta-4,9(10)-diene-3/3,17B-diol is obtained. Then repeating the procedure of Example 1 but replacing 3- methoxy-l7a-ethynylandrosta 3,5 dien-l7,B-ol with 1704- ethynyl-19-norandrosta 4,9( 10)-diene 3 8,l7;8-diol and using 4 ml. instead of 2 ml. of 4'-methoXy-5,6'-dihydro- 2H-pyran3[3,17fi bis (4'-methoxytetrahydropyran-4'- yloxy)-17u-ethynyl-19-norandrosta-4,9(10)-diene is obtained.

Repeating this sequence of procedures with other 19- norandrosta-4,9(10) dien-l7fl-ol-3-ones and 19-norandrosta-4,9(10),11-trien-17fi-ol-3-ones having lower alkenyl (e.g., vinyl, propenyl), lower alkynyl, lower haloalkynyl (e.g., ethynyl, methylethynyl, chloroethynyl, or fluoroethynyl), cyclopropenyl, and halocyclopropenyl groups at C-17u and hydrogen or methyl at C-18 yields the corresponding 35,17fi-bisethers, e.g., 3,8,17fl-bis-(4-methoxytetrahydropyran-4'-yloxy) -17a-ethynylandrosta 4,9(10)- diene, 3,8,17B-bis-(4 ethoxytetrahydropyran-4'-yloxy)- l7a-ethynyl-18-methyl-19-norandrosta 4,9(10),l1-triene, and the like.

The invention claimed is:

1. A steroid 4-(lower) alkoxytetrahydropyran -4-yl ether selected from the group consisting of (a) 17B-(4'-loweralkoxytetrahydropyran 4'-yloxy)- androsta 3,5-dienes and 17B-(4-loweralkoxytetrahydropyran-4'-yloxy)-19-norandrosta 3,5-dienes having at position C-3, lower alkoxy or lower cycloalkoxy; at position C-17a, lower alkenyl, lower alkynyl, lower haloalkynyl, or

C=CH wherein R and R each is hydrogen, chloro, or

fiuoro; at position C-18, hydrogen or methyl;

(b) androst-4-enes, 19-n'orandrost-4t-enes, androsta- 4,6 dienes, or 19 norandrosta-4,6 dienes having at position C-3, keto or wherein R is 4'-(lower)alkoxytetrahydropyran-4- yloxy, hydrogen, hydroxy, or conventional hydrolyzable esters thereof; at position C-6 when the bond between carbons C-6 and C-7 is a double bond and at each of positions C-606 and C-6B when the bond between carbons C-6 and C-7 is a single bond, hydrogen, methyl, chloro, or fluoro; at position Cl7a, lower alkenyl, lower alkynyl, lower haloalkynyl, or

...C=GH

wherein R and R each is hydrogen, chloro, or fluoro; at C-17fi, hydroxy, conventional hydrolyzable esters thereof, or 4-(lower)alkoxytetrahydropyran-4'-yloxy, and at least one of said C-3 and 0-176 having said 4 (lower)alkoxytetrahydro pyran- '-yloxy group; at position C-l8, hydrogen or methyl;

(c) 19-norandrost-5(10)-enes having at position C-3,

ketone or wherein R is 4'-(lower)alkoxytetrahydropyran-4'- yloxy, hydrogen, hydroxy, or conventional hydrolyzable esters thereof; at position C-17a, ethynyl, methylethynyl, chloroethynyl, or fluoroethynyl; at position -175, hydroxy, conventional hydrolyzable esters thereof, or 4'-(lower) alkoxytetrahydropyran- 4'-yloxy, and at least one of said 0-3 and C-17fi positions having said 4'-(lower)alkoxytetrahydropyran-4-yloxy; and at position C-18, hydrogen or methyl;

(d) 19-norandrosta-4,9(10)-dienes or 19-norandrosta- 4.9(10),l1-trienes having at position 0-3, keto or wherein R is 4'-(lower)alkoxytetrahydropyran-4- yloxy, hydrogen, hydroxy, or conventional hydrolyzable esters thereof; at position V-17u, lower alkenyl, lower alkynyl, lower haloalkynyl, or

...C=CH

R6 Rzo wherein R and R each is hydrogen, chloro, or fluoro; at position C-l7fi, hydroxy, conventional hydrolyzable esters thereof, or 4'-(lower)alkoxytetrahydropyran-4'-yloxy, and at least one of said 0-3 and 0-175 positions having said 4'-(lower) alkoxytetrahydropyran 4' yloxy; and at position C-18, hydrogen or methyl; and

(e) 3fi-(4'-lowera1koxytetrahydropyran 4 yloxy)- pregn- 4-en-20-ones and 33 (4' loweralkoxytetrahydropyran-4'-yloxy)-19-norpregn-4-en-20-ones having at position C-1,2, hydrogens or s: a I 7 Jr! an wherein each of [R and R is hydrogen, chloro, or fluoro; at position 0-6, hydrogen, methyl, fluoro, or chloro; at position C-9u, hydrogen, chloro, or fluoro, except with 318 (4 loweralkoxytetrahydropyran-4'-yloxy) 19-norpregn-4-en-20-ones wherein hydrogen is at C-9u when hydrogen is at 0-1 1,8; at position 0-11, keto or R41 I. .14 wherein R is hydrogen, chloro, or hydroxyl; at position C-l6, methylene or R44 I. .RLB wherein R and R each is hydrogen or methyl; at position C-17oz, hydrogen, hydroxyl, hydrolyzable esters thereof or, taken together with C-16a,

wherein each of R and R is hydrogen, alkyl, or aryl, the latter two having up to eight carbons; at position 0-21, hydrogen or fluoro; and between the carbons at positions C- and 0-6, a single bond, double bond, or single bond together with the methylene group wherein R and R each is hydrogen, fluoro, or chlorO.

2. The steroid ether of claim 1 wherein the ether is a member selected from the group consisting of 17,8-(4 loweralkoxytetrahydropyran-4 yloxy)androsta 3,5- dienes and 17 3 (4' loweralkoxytetrahydropyran 4'- yloxy)-19-norandrosta-3,5'-dienes having at position 0-3, a member selected from the group consisting of lower alkoxy and lower cycloalkoxy; at position a member? selected from the group consisting of lower alkenyl, lower alkynyl, lower haloalkynyl, and 2",2"-difluorocyclopropenyl; and at 0-18, a member selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and methyl.

3. The steroid ether of claim 2 wherein the ether is 3-cyclopentoxy-l7a-ethynyl-l7fl (4 methoxytetrahydropyran-4-yloxy)-19-norandrosta-3,5-diene.

4. The steroid ether of claim 2 wherein the ether is 3-cyclopentoxy-17a-ethynyl-17fl (4' methoxytetrahydropyran-4 yloxy) l8 methyl l9-norandrosta-3,5- diene.

5. The steroid ether of claim 2 wherein the ether is 3-ethoxy 17u-ethynyl-17 3-(4'-methoxytetrahydropyran- -yloxy)androsta-3,5-diene.

6. The steroid ether of claim 1 wherein the ether is selected from the group consisting of androst-4-enes, l9- norandrost-4-enes, androsta-4,6-dienes, and l9-norandrosta-4,6dienes having at position 0-3, a member selected from the group consisting of keto and 0 R5 Rzo wherein R and R each is hydrogen, chloro, or fluoro; at C-l7fi, a member selected from the group consisting of hydroxy, conventional hydrolyzable esters of said hydroxy, and 4-(lower)alkoxytetrahydropyran-4'-yloxy, and at least one of said C-3 and C17,B having said 4'-(lower)- alkoxytetrahydropyran-4'-yloxy group; and at C-18, a member selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and methyl groups.

7. The steroid ether of claim 6 wherein the ether is 17u-ethynyl-l7B-(4 methoxytetrahydropyran-4'-yloxy)- 19-norandrost-4-en-3-one.

8. The steroid ether of claim 6 wherein the ether is 3;?- acetoXy-17a-ethynyl-17B- (4' methoxytetr-ahydropyran-4- yloxy) -19-norandrost-4-ene.

9. The steroid ether of claim 6 wherein the ether is l7a-ethynyl-l7 8-(4 methoXytetrahydropyran-4'-yloxy)- 1S-methyl-19-norandrost-4-en-3-one.

10. The steroid ether of claim 6 wherein ether is 3- acetoxy 17a ethynyl-17/3-(4'-methoxytetrahydropyran- 4-yloXy) -l S-methyll 9-norandrost-4-ene.

11. The steroid ether of claim 6 wherein the ether is 6afluoro-17a-ethyny1-17B-(4' methoxytetrahydropyran-4'- yloxy) -19-norandrost-4-en-3-one.

12. The steroid ether of claim 6 wherein the ether is 6u-fluoro-17u-ethyny1-17fi (4'-methoxytetrahydropyran- 4'-yloxy) -18-methyl-19-norandrost-4-en-3 -one.

13. The steroid ether of claim 6 wherein the ether is 64x- IDGthYI-I7u-GllhYIlYl-17fi-(4' methoxytetrahydropyran-4'- yloxy)-19-norandrosta-4,6-dien-3-one.

14. The steroid ether of claim 6 wherein the ether is 6ot-methy1-17a-ethynyl-17fl-(4 methoxytetrahydropyran- 4'-yloxy) l'8-.methyl l9-norandrosta-4,6-dien-3 -one.

15. The steroid ether of claim 6 wherein the ether is6amethyl-17tx-methylethynyl-17 5 (4' methoxytetrahydropyran-4-yloxy)androst-4-en-3-one.

16. The steroid ether of claim 6 wherein the etheris 3- (4'-methoxytetrahydropyran-4' yloxy) 17a-ethynyl-19- norandrost-4-en-l7p-ol.

17. The steroid ether of claim 6 wherein the ether is 3-(4'-methoxytetrahydropyran 4'-yloXy) 17ot-ethynyl- 17,8-acetoxy-19-norandrost-4-ene.

18. The steroid ether of claim 6 wherein the ether is 3,17,8-bis(4' methoxytetrahydropyran 4'-y10xy)-17aethynyl-19-norandrost-4-ene.

19. The steroid ether of claim 1 wherein the ether is a 19-norandrost-5(-10)-ene having at position C-3, member selected from the group consisting of keto and wherein R is hydrogen, hydroxy, conventional hydrolyzable esters of said hydroxy, or 4'-(lower)alkoxytetrahy dropyran-4'-yloxy; at position C-17oc, a member selected from the group consisting of ethynyl, methylethynyl, chloroethynyl, and fiuoroethynyl; at position C-l7fi, a member selected from the group consisting of hydroxy, conventional hydrolyzable esters of said hydroxy and 4'- (lower)alkoxytetrahydropyranr' yloxy, at least one of said C3 and C-l7fl having said 4- (lower) alkoxytetrahydropyran-4'-yloxy group; and at position C18, a member selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and methyl.

20. The steroid ether of claim 19 wherein the ether is 17 ot-ethynyl-17,B-(4 methoxytetrahydropyran-4-yloxy)- l9-norandrost-5(10)-en-3-one.

21. The steroid ether of claim 19 wherein the ether is 17a-ethynyl-l7fl-(4 methoxytetrahydropyran-4-yloxy)- 18-methyl-19-norandrost-5 )-en-3-one.

22. The steroid ether of claim 1 wherein the ether is a member selected from the group consisting of 19-norandrosta-4,9 10) -dienes and 19-norandrosta-4,9(10),11- trienes having at position C-3, a member selected from the group consisting of keto and l wherein R is 4-(lower)alkoxytetrahydropyran-4'-yloxy, hydrogen, hydroxy, or conventional hydrolyzable esters thereof; at position C--17OC, a member selected from the group consisting of lower alkenyl, lower alkynyl, lower haloalkynyl, and

R6 Rzo wherein R and R each is hydrogen, chloro, or fluoro; at position 0 1713, a member selected from the group consisting of hydroxy, conventional hydrolyzable esters thereof, and 4'-(lower)alkoxytetrahydropyran-4'-yloxy and at least one of said C-3 and C-17fl positions having said 4'- (lower)-alkoxytetrayhdropyran-4-yloxy; and at position C-18, a member selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and methyl. i

23. The steroid ether of claim 22 whereinthe ether is 17u-chlor'oethynyl-175-(4' methoxytetrahydropyran r'- and 3 3- (4'-loweralkoxytetrahydropyran-4'-yloxy) -19-norpregn-4-en-20-ones having at position C*1,2, a member selected from the group consisting of hydrogens and the methylene group R "1 as an wherein R is hydrogen, chloro, or hydroxyl; at position 0-16, 2. member a member selected from the group consisting of methylene and wherein each of R and R 'is hydrogen or methyl; at position C-17u, a member selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, hydroxyl, and conventional hydrolyzable esters thereof, and taken together with C-16a, a group having the formula wherein R and R each is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, and aryl, the latter two groups having up to eight carbons; at position C-2l, a member selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and fluoro; and at position C-5, 6, a member selected from the group consisting of a double bond, 21 single bond, and a single bond in combination with a methylene group having the formula wherein R and R each is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, chloro, and throw.

27. The steroid ether of claim 26 wherein the ether is 33 (4' methoxytetrahydropyran 4' yloxy) 6- chloro- 17 a-acetoxypre gna-4,6-dien-20-one.

28. The steroid ether of claim 26 wherein the ether is 3 B (4' methoxytetrahydropyran 4'-yloxy) 6 chloro- 17a-acetoxy-19-norpregna-4,6-dien-20-one.

29. The steroid ether of claim 26 wherein the ether is 1a,2a methylene 3B (4f methoxytetrahydropyran- 4' yloxy) 6 chloro 17 acetoxypregna 4,6 dien- 20-one. I

30. The steroid ether of claim 26 wherein the ether is 3 p (4 methoxytetrahydropyran 4' L yloxy) 6 methyl- 17 u-acetoxypregna-4,6 dien-20-one 31. The steroid ether of claim 26 whereinthe .ether is methyl-17a-acetoxy 19-norpregna-4,6 dien20-one.

32. The steroid ether of claim 26 wherein the ether is 3 8 (4' me'thoxytetrahydropyran 4 yloxy) 6 chloro- 16-methylene-17a-acetoxypregna-4,6-dien-20-one.

33. The steroid ether of claimf26 wherein the ether is 313 (4' rnethoxytetrahydropyran 4' yloxy) 6 methyl-16-methylene-17a-acetoXypregna-4,6-dien-20 one.

34. The steroid ether of claim 26 wherein the ether is 36 (4' methokytetrahydropyran 4' yloxy) 6amethyl-16-methylene-17a-acetoxypregn-4-en-20-one.

35. The steroid ether of claim 26 wherein the ether is 35 (4' methoxytetrahydropyran 4' yloxy) 6afluoro-l,6a-methylpregn-4-en-20-one.

36. The steroid ether of claim 26 wherein the ether is 3 9 (4' methoxytetrahydropyran 4' yloxy) 6ozfluoro-l6fl-methylpregn-4-en-20-one. 4

37. The steroid ether of claim 26 wherein the ether is 35 (4' methoxytetrahydropyran 4 yloxy) 1604,1704- methylphenylmethylenedioxypregn-4-en-20-one.

38. The steroid ether of claim 26 wherein the ether is 3,8 (4'. methoxyteh'ahydropyran 4' yloxy) 65 -fluoro 641,71 difluoromethylene 17oz acetoxypregn 4- en-ZO-ohe.

39. The steroid ether of claim 26 wherein the ether is 3 8 (4; methoxytetrahydropyran 4' yloxy) 641,160:- dimethylpregn-4-en-20-one.

40. The steroid ether of claim 26 wherein the ether is 3,8 (4f methoxytetrahydropyran 4' yloxy)pregn 4 en-l 1,20-dione.

41. The steroid ether of claim 26 wherein the ether is 33 (4' methoxytetrahydropyran 4' yloxy) 6,904, 1 lp-trichloro-17u-acetoxypregna-4,6-dien-20-one.

42. The steroid ether of claim 26 wherein the ether is 3B (4' methoxytetrahydropyran 4 yloxy) 6 chlo- IO-9a-flll0l'0- 17u-acetoxypregna-4,6-dien-1 1 p-ol-20-one.

43. The steroid ether of claim 26 wherein the ether is 313 (4' methoxytetrahydropyran 4' yloxy) 6 chloro-17a-caproy1oxypregna-4,6-dien-20-one 44. The steroid ether of claim 26 wherein the ether is 3/3 (4 methoxytetrahydropyran 4 yloxy) 6a.- methy1pregn-4-en-1 1-,20-dione.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,294,786 12/1966 Cross et a1 260--239.55 3,313,808 4/1967 De Ruggieri et a1 260-23955 3,332,941 7/1967 Shimizv et a1 260-23955 3,376,291 4/1968 Fried 260239.5 3,377,342 4/1968 Fried 260-23955 HENRY A. FRENCH, Primary Examiner US. Cl. X.R.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No. 446 Dated M y 7 In ent fls) Alexander D. Cross and John A. Edwards It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

' Column 1, lines 32-42, that portion of the Formula (I) should be and lines 45-55,

reading that portion of Formula (IV) reading should be Column 2, lines 25-27, R should read T .R .R

Column 4, line 49, "17(1-dihYdIOXY" should read 17adeshydroxy Column 5, line 57, "IIB" should read 11B Column 7, line 51, "and R should read and R =methyl: R

Column 15, line 15, "66" should read 6Q.

Column 17, line 54, 3- ol" should read 36-01 Column 19, line 63, "17" should read 18 Column 20, line 74, "3,4" should read 3,5

Column 25, line 21, "V-l7on" should read C-l7cx Column 28, line 10, "hydroeng" should read hydrogen Signed and sealed this 18th day of July 1 972.

(SEAL) Attest:

EDWARD M.FLETCHER,JR. ROBERT GOTTSCHALK Attesting Officer Commissioner of Patents 

